Popular downtown hangout Alamo Ice House to close Saturday

2of22Kaitlyn Merchant is behind the bar at Alamo Ice House.Photo: Xelina Flores for the Express-News

3of22Live music was often part of the fun at Alamo Ice House.Photo: Xelina Flores for the Express-News

4of22Dressed as a pinata, Honey, a 5-year-old Chihuahua, waits for the start of a costume contest during the "Dia de los Perros," event at the Alamo Ice House in 2016.Photo: Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

7of22Yelp regularly updates its list of the best "hot and new businesses" in the Alamo City based on user ratings.Click ahead to see which San Antonio restaurants were called 'hot & new' in San Antonio.Photo: File

8of221. Rolling Fish Sushi Burrito and Poke12730 Interstate 10 W., Ste. 304What Yelp users are saying: - Jessica D.: "WOW WOW WOW. Love this concept! So unique and fun. The food was delicious... I mean you pick the ingredients yourself so it's up to you for a stellar combination. This place can get packed but moves fast. Highly recommended." - Greg H.: "Had to check out all the hype. The line was a good 20-25 deep on Saturday at 730pm. I have to say it was worth the wait in line. The tempura shrimp in the roll was amazing. My only drawback is I wish it was not so expensive."Photo: Nancy N. via Yelp

9of222. Anchor Bar4553 N Loop 1604 W, Ste. 1133What Yelp users are saying: - Margaret H.: "Service was top-notch. Our waiter didn't hover over our table but was always close by enough to tell when we needed drink refills or to clear plates. This will definitely be our go-to spot for football games all season!" - John G.: "This place is as Buffalo as you can get in Texas!!! They have the Bills game on TV, they have Labatts Blue in bottle and they have the wings that have made them famous!!"Photo: Anchor Bar

10of223. Shake Shack 7427 San Pedro Ave. What Yelp users are saying: - Paul P.: "Shake Shack is WAY BETTER THAN IN AND OUT." - Kara S.: "So glad we finally have a Shake Shack in SA! Everything from the branding, signage, decor, music, food, and customer service is amazing!"Photo: Paul Stephen / San Antonio Express-News

11of224. First Watch - Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch9985 Interstate 10 What Yelp users are saying: - Christina B.: "Overall, this is a solid place to go for breakfast because they basically put avocado on anything. They have a nice sized menu and restaurant and they're open early!"

- Tandy G.: "I feel like what needed refreshing at the Egg and I was accomplished by First Watch. The food is fresh and tasty like the Egg and I, but the menu has more diverse items with clearer descriptions. Less math when it comes to pancakes and waffles."Photo: Courtest First Watch

12of225. Fratello's Ristorante Centro Citta115 Plaza De ArmasWhat Yelp users are saying: - Kassie B.: "We are first timers from Houston. Spectacular is the only word that comes to mind. In fact, we were here for lunch and are headed back to try something different tonight for dinner." - Jake B.: "This place is excellent. It is a little pricey for lunch but they are passionate about their food. Quality and preparation are excellent." Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

13of226. Fletcher's Hamburgers312 Pearl Pkwy. What Yelp users are saying: - Ina M.: "I ordered a hamburger and melted fries which are topped with smoked cheddar and bacon. Both were delicious. You can tell they use fresh ingredients and take pride in their food. If you like hamburgers it's a must-go." - Nancy N.: "So far so good. Came on opening day at the Food hall with a friend. We intended to get burgers but were drawn by the chicken burger and hotdog. There were some kinks to work out here but it's pretty good." Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /San Antonio Express-News

14of227. Tenko Ramen 312 Peal Pkwy. What Yelp users are saying: - Alyx K.: "I was craving the umami goodness so I went with the double mushroom and an add-on of fried katsu chicken thigh and the 'mouth-numbing batter acid chili- ... No-frills setup, and a flavorful dish, reasonably priced."- Hoa L.: "If you don't come expecting the most amazing noodle experience, you will be satisfied. For those who have eaten in those countries or eaten at an authentic restaurant, you might be severely disappointed." Photo: Mike Sutter /San Antonio Express-News

15of228. Santa Fe Trail16080 San Pedro Ave. What Yelp users are saying: - Steven H.: "Have always loved Santa Fe Pork avocado but nobody has it in San Antonio. First time to visit today and was very pleased. I had the blue corn enchiladas with red and green sauce. Very tasty but next time will just go with the green sauce. Definitely will be going back." - Joel M.: "Delighted to find a New Mexican restaurant in San Antonio! I had the green chile stew, which was very tasty and would have been perfect if it had a better proportion of meat to potatoes. The accompanying sopapillas were were good but not heavenly. Nevertheless, I will definitely go back and bring friends." Photo: Paul Stephen / San Antonio Express-News

16of229. Guajira3261 Nacogdoches Road What Yelp users are saying: - Pam D.: "I'm glad to see a new and different place to go for lunch. The sandwich and plantains I got were really good. Service was good as well. It's a no frills place but makes up with the good." - Beatriz B: "I love Cuban food so much I make it more than my own native culture food. So I had to try this restaurant. Spotless restaurant, staff super nice, food is good. ... Will I return? Unfortunately, probably not." Photo: Paul Stephen /Staff file photo

17of2210. Gloria's Latin Cuisine17623 La Cantera Pkwy.What Yelp users are saying: - Alex S.: "I can't begin to tell you how delicious Gloria's is! At first I was a little hesitant. when you walk in, you get the feeling that this place might be a little too bougie for good Mexican food to be produced. Boy was I WRONG!"- Bret B.: "The atmosphere was very classy and I was really surprised at how reasonable the prices were. The food portions were just right for the cost. My overall impression was excellent and I will be returning to Gloria's."Photo: Elizabeth G. via Yelp

18of2211. El Luchador Bar622 Roosevelt Ave. What Yelp users are saying: - Stacy E.: "Happy hour at this place is the best as they have great combos! They also have a great drink called the preparada that's built like a fruit cup (plus) with alcohol (big plus) they also have some candy and a straw with Lucas! This is the best drink for hot days." - Daniel C.: "While I do appreciate what 'El Luchador Bar' is trying to accomplish it feels like a cohesive vibe is still missing. Is it a bar that happens to have a luchador concept or is it the other way around? In other words if I took away the lucha libre theme would it still be a cool place to hangout? I'm not sure." Photo: Paul Stephen /San Antonio Express-News

19of2212. Steel City Pops812 S. Alamo St.What Yelp users are saying: - Diana G.: "Love the concept. You choose your pop and then top it to your heart's content. ... I opted out of looking at the calorie content of my delicious dessert, but for those interested, it is posted next to each pop. I definitely recommend you cool down with one of these delicious pops on a hot San Antonio day." - Celeste B.: "I feel like a kid again every time I walk into Steel City Pops. The cute ambiance, the friendly employees, and most importantly...PALETAS!! The combinations between flavors, drizzles, dips, and toppings are really endless. This is a cute date spot or a great spot to catch up on chisme with your besties." Photo: Arianne Victoria A. via Yelp

20of2213. Boss Bagels 6458 N. New Braunfels Ave. What Yelp users are saying: - Liss C.: "Let's face it. If you've ever had a NY bagel, this is not comparable. It's differently made and tastes different as well. But, particularly for SA, it's delicious." - Inga C.: "I am really picky about bagels, but these are the real deal. You can watch the process of the bagels being made: dough cut and rolled, boiling water, burned-hot oven, to PLOP chef dumps a tray of hot bagels into a wooden trough." Photo: Paul Stephen /San Antonio Express-News

21of2214. Bud's Southern Rotisserie312 Pearl Pkwy. What Yelp users are saying: - Michelle L.: "We are probably giving a 4 star (maybe we would give closer to a 3) but just to help out a new place that maybe working out some kinks. ... The price is a little high but it's the Pearl so what do you expect."- Ed A.: "Not a great first impression. Very clean design/brand identity...superb customer service but the flavors don't belong in the Bottling Dept. Sorry"Photo: Mike Sutter /San Antonio Express-News

22of2215. La Taza Java Coffee House15060 San Pedro Ave. What Yelp users are saying: - Gary K.: "LJT is rapidly becoming the neighborhood living room. Best beverages, fresh bagels, pastries and marvelous chicken salad on croissants, all service up with a genuine smile that lets you know you belong here." - Hannah Indi J.: "Great customer service and even better taste! The barista directed me to a delicious cold brew, and she also knew how to hold a lovely conversation." Photo: Chris A. via Yelp

It’s never easy saying goodbye, but the Alamo Ice House BBQ & Brew has found a way to ease the sting a bit.

The popular hangout at 802 N. Alamo St. has earned a legion of followers with a combination of beer, barbecue and live entertainment since opening in 2014. Sadly, the good times come to a halt this weekend.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Alamo Ice House,” a Jan. 1 poston the business’ Facebook page reads. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have come out and supported our dream.”

Alamo Ice House will shutter with a final farewell bash featuring $3 beers and $5 brisket sandwiches (cash only) at noon Saturday.

Alamo Ice House BBQ & Brew was launched by partners Charlie Robison, former major league baseball pitcher Brooks Kieschnick, San Antonio native Jaime Gonzales and Ray Fuchs. The reason for deciding to close was explained in a second Facebook post.

“We tried being a family and pet friendly establishment moving into a part of town looking for economic development. Yet we are family owned, and it became hard to compete. Lots of blood, sweat and tears went into the Ice House. This decision has been absolutely heart breaking for us.”